Virginia Tech will leave its campus for the first time this
season, as it has put together a three-game winning streak, including a 105-92
victory over VMI Monday—the most points the program has scored in a regular
season game since 1994.

Senior forward Jarell Eddie leads the team in scoring this season
at 16.5 points per game, while junior forward C.J. Barksdale contributed 16
points in his first game since serving a three-game suspension for a violation
of team rules.

A new mentality

College basketball handicappers are certainly aware that the
Spartans have been known for their defense and rebounding under longtime head
coach Tom Izzo, but I believe they’ll be more offensive-minded with their
roster during the 2013-14 campaign.

Michigan State is averaging 21.0 points per game in transition,
while they lead the Big Ten Conference in shooting 76.9 percent from the
charity stripe.

Facing the No. 1 team

The Hokies have compiled a 4-7 SU record against teams ranked No.
1 in the AP poll, but have dropped all three opportunities when playing on a
neutral court in that situation.

Virginia Tech hasn’t defeated a nationally-ranked team on a
neutral court since Dec. 28, 1995.